Ways to Serve

Ways to Serve in Your Community

Here are just some ways to serve in your local community. If you want to find EVEN more ways to get involved visit this local site: www.justserve.org
JustServe.org is an AMAZING website where the volunteer needs of organizations may be posted and volunteers may search for places to serve in the community, providing opportunities to help those in need and enhance the quality of life in the community.

Ronald McDonald House

Who doesn't love baking cookies? Aside from the fact that I love cooking and baking, baking cookies at the Ronald McDonald House makes me feel really wonderful because I know how happy it makes the families. Whether it is Dinner Duty, Cookie Duty, or Craft Night there are so many ways to volunteer at your local Ronald McDonald House! Whether it’s baking cookies, cooking meals, or making cards and treat bags I have learned that the time I give makes it possible for the families of the Ronald McDonald House to be with their children during a very difficult time.

To find out more visit the RMH website at: www.rmhc.org/‎

Children's Miracle Network

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® raises funds and awareness for 170 member hospitals that provide 32 million treatments each year to kids across the U.S. and Canada. Donations stay local to fund critical treatments and healthcare services, pediatric medical equipment and charitable care. Since 1983, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $5 billion, most of it $1 at a time through the charity’s Miracle Balloon icon. Its various fundraising partners and programs support the nonprofit’s mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Find out why children’s hospitals need community support, identify your member hospital and learn how you can Put Your Money Where the Miracles Are, at CMNHospitals.org and facebook.com/CMNHospitals.

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

The mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

LLS exists to find cures and ensure access to treatments for blood cancer patients. We are the voice for all blood cancer patients and we work to ensure access to treatments for all blood cancer patients. To learn more visit their website at: http://www.lls.org/

Dancers Against Cancer

The "I'm A Dancer Against Cancer" campaign was founded in 2012 to spread awareness and raise donations for cancer-fighting charities. It quickly became a sign of hope and unity in the dance community.

In 2013, the Dancers Against Cancer charity was created to provide financial support to dance educators, dancers and parents impacted by cancer. To date, this charity has proudly raised $890K in donations and has assisted many dancers in need.

The Dancers Against Cancer charity is grateful for the support of the dance community and will continue to make a difference to keep the HOPE alive! http://imadanceragainstcancer.org/

Make A Wish Foundation

Tens of thousands of volunteers, donors and supporters advance the Make-A-Wish® vision to grant the wish of every child diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition. In the United States and its territories, on average, a wish is granted every 35 minutes. We believe a wish experience can be a game-changer. This one belief guides us and inspires us to grant wishes that change the lives of the kids we serve.

If you would like to get involved with your local chapter visit the Make-A-Wish website: www.wish.org/

Sponsor a Child Through Give Hope Global

Give Hope Global is a wonderful way to volunteer and give back. What does Give Hope Global do? Orphan Care is provided for 270 children in three different orphanages which are operated by El Shaddai Ministries Int’l (ESMI). Through a sponsorship program which is operated by volunteers and led by one of the Give Hope founders, Angela Quinn, we supplement other organizations funding for the care, feeding and basic education of these children. If you want to learn more about this amazing organization visit their website at: http://givehopeglobal.org/initiatives/

Visit Your Local Assisted Living Home

I make cards at home, at school, and at my dance studio and deliver them to residents at local Assisted Living Homes. I love to hear stories from the senior citizens that have lived so much. It is especially important to me because my grandparents live in Maine. One resident told me when I gave her a Mother's Day card that it was the first card she had received from a child she didn't know! That really made me smile! YOU can find a local Assisted Living Community near you and make cards and deliver them.

Volunteer at a local Elementary, Middle, or High School

Being a Kindergarten Buddy and Peer Mentor is one of my favorite volunteer activities. I love working with younger children and helping them learn to read and write. I love that I am able to provide advice and support and serve as role models for younger people who need help.

Support Your Local Hospitals

Many local hospitals are in need of items to be donated to their patients and playrooms. This is a great way that you can get involved as well as involve your family and friends! My dance studio and many local businesses in my town are so helpful and serve as drop-off locations.

Participate in Local 5K Walks and Runs

You can make a difference in the fight against breast cancer, no matter how you’ve been touched by the disease. Whether it is the Susan G. Komen Foundation or another organization joining a 5K is a wonderful way for you and your family to get involved together and stay healthy at the same time!

The Susan G. Komen Foundation has transformed how the world treats and talks about this disease and have helped turn millions of breast cancer patients into breast cancer survivors. Since 1982, they've funded more than $920 million in research, more than $2.0 billion in medical care, community and provider education, and psychosocial support, serving millions in over 60 countries worldwide.

Learn more about how YOU can get involved: http://ww5.komen.org

Give Back to Your Local First Responders

Every day, men and women selflessly put their lives on the line to ensure the safety, well-being, and overall freedoms of Americans. Military, Police, Firefighters, and EMT are a special type of person who will help others; a person who will voluntarily walk into the unknown. They are heroes who represent the best of society, and they deserve our respect.

Girl Scouts of America

Prepare her for a lifetime of leadership, and be the mentor she needs. As a volunteer, you’ll introduce girls to new experiences that show them they’re capable of more than they ever imagined. They’ll each find their inner G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-Taker, Leader)™ after all!

You’ll be their cheerleader, guide, and mentor, helping them develop essential life skills and confidence that will last a lifetime. Imagine the excitement, the impact, the memories made—those are the moments you’ll share at Girl Scouts.

http://www.girlscoutsem.org/en/for-volunteers/why-volunteer.html